Meet Our Vendors: Sena Sea

The Wheeler Family of Sena Sea.

Sena Sea is the product of generations of fishing expertise and a family culture deeply rooted in ocean bounty. In 1938, Sena's grandfather immigrated from Norway and fished commercially in the U.S. He passed on his knowledge and skills to his son, Sena's father, who fished professionally for 30 years.

Growing up, Sena learned all her dad's tricks and wisdom aboard the Alrita, "breaking in" on the family boat and learning traditional Norwegian methods. Sena went on to earn her Masters Degree in food science, eventually opening her own business, Sena Sea, with her husband Rich. The perfect mate for someone with a vast family history in fishing, Rich has been a commercial fisherman for over 15 years. He brings in the catch while Sena helps manage the business from ashore and wrangles their three children.  

Appreciative of their beautiful home in the rural Cascade Mountains, where their kids are able to play in the dirt and live "wild," Sena and Rich are dedicated to conservation and making sure clean delicious food doesn't become a thing of the past. A sustainable fishery, Sena Sea not only provides high-quality food, but it also supports and works with groups that promote environmental stewardship.   

"Sena Sea" is is a twist on Sena's name - Sena C. Wheeler. After retiring the Alrita, Rich and Sena named their new boat The Miss CamiLou, named after their two daughters (middle names: Camille and Louise).  

You can usually find Sena Sea at the University District, West Seattle and Capitol Hill farmers markets, where their knowledgable market staff are happy to share cooking tips and answer questions. Sadly they have not been able to join us yet this season because of the continued restrictions in place for Farmers Markets. Until we are able to welcome Sena Sea back, you can support the Wheeler family by shopping for their products on the University District Online Market, for pick up from the University District Farmers Market on Saturdays.